WHAT IS THE 40TH DAY BLESSING? HOW TO DO?
The process, which covers 6 weeks after birth and is popularly known as the puerperium period, is a period of time when the mother and baby need special care and are not left alone for a period of approximately 40 days.
With the end of the practice, a small ceremony called The 40th Day Blessing is held for the newborn. It is believed that removing forty, which is often pronounced among the people, the end of the first 6 weeks of the mother and newborn, has many benefits.
Although it cannot be fully applied for various reasons, especially for doctor controls, the mother and baby should not go out, rest and not be left alone at home for 40 days after birth, and at the end of this period, that is, on the 40th day, the mother and the baby have a private bath. It means taking their first trips, washing them with ritual and prayers.
Why is The 40th Day Blessing is necessary for Babies?
In today's conditions, many people do not welcome and do not see it necessary to continue the implementation of an old tradition on newborns. However, the ritual of flying forty was thought in ancient times and has very important underlying reasons.
Approximately 40 days are required for the mother to recover her body, close the stitches, heal the wounds, rest and recover her energy after birth. This tradition is held as a kind of celebration as the mother regains her former health.
About 40 days are required for the baby to get used to and adapt to its new environment. During this period, it continues to be maintained in a hygienic environment. With this tradition, the baby can now meet the outside world and his first experience is celebrated.
Mother and baby are exposed to many diseases and germs for 40 days after birth. With this tradition, they both shed this process off.
How to make 40th day bath?
Forth day bath is based on washing the mother and baby with water prepared with various materials. There are various customs for this washing. According to these customs;
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First of all, the mother and baby wake up early in the morning.
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While his mother is coming, she collects 40 stones from untouched places. 40 beans or wheat grains can be used instead of stone.
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The elder family prepares the bath water. It throws stones, wheat, gold, silver, various seasonal flowers or rose petals, evil eye beads inside.
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All materials to be thrown into the water must be disinfected or clean.
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The elder of the family who will have a bath takes his ablution and then pours 40 bowls of prepared water for the baby.
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While pouring water, as various prayers are recited, 'Let the water be down and its height up. May his life be as long as water! ' As well as wishes are spoken aloud.
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Then, the same prepared water and 40 cups of water are poured to the mother and the shearing process ends.